Friday, April 11, 2008
I Need Your Help
I'm not watching this game, I'm just following it on gameday. Could Abreu really have gotten to Drew's homerun, thus preserving a no-hitter for Wang? My brother and I have always taken issue with Abreu's unwillingness to get his uniform dirty. At first we though maybe they charge the players for washing them and he's just cheap like that, but they don't, we looked into it. I really hope he didn't blow a no-hitter for Wang just for the sake of not reaching over into the bullpen to catch a ball.
Wouldn't Want to be Buchholz Tonight
Or any night for that matter. Buchholz (two Hs? really?) faces off against Chien-Ming Wang tonight in this season's first game between the two storied rivals. Boston has had Wang's number in recent years on account of them stealing signs (come on, do you really think charm is the only reason they still use a manual out of town scoreboard? Or maybe they just play the yankees 18 times a year, one way or the other), but I still wouldn't want to face the Yankees number 1 in the first game of the rivalry. We'll see what happens.
Will Jeter be in the game tonight? My Magic 8-Ball says no, but it also said I would win the lottery last week, which was a lie! Will Jeter's gangster prevail? Or Will Girardi's "it's a long season" caution force him to sit this one out? What do you guys think?
Will Jeter be in the game tonight? My Magic 8-Ball says no, but it also said I would win the lottery last week, which was a lie! Will Jeter's gangster prevail? Or Will Girardi's "it's a long season" caution force him to sit this one out? What do you guys think?
Injuries Attributed to Candy Man-Like Curse
With the recent slew of injuries to several prominent Yankee players, some are concerned that other key players may head to the DL as well. In a quest to find the cause of these injuries, the "Respect Jeter's Gangster" blog sent an investigative reporter to search out possible injury factors. Was it weather? Age? The answer may surprise you...
"I always heard the stories, but I never believed them." Said Yankee pitcher Phil Hughes. "I just figured the older guys were messing with me. Posada decided to prove to us that it was true, and now look at him."
"Do it once, and you'll see for yourself." explained Posada. "Its very real."
Whispers of this legend began in 2005 when several injured players attributed their bad fortunes to the same event Posada referred to. Despite the fact that every player in the clubhouse knows about this legend, very few are willing to speak to the outside world about it. Until now...
"Last season, I was completely skeptical." Said DH Jason Giambi who suffered a torn plantar faciatis last season. "To prove it, I went into the bath room, shut off the lights, and looked in the mirror. Mientkiewicz was there with me. I then said 'Carl Pavano', 'Carl Pavano', 'Carl Pavano' in the mirror three times just like that. Nothing happened right away, so I was like, 'See I told you they were full of crap'. So Mientkiewicz did it as well. Next thing you know, my foot splits apart, and Mientkiewicz breaks his wrist in a game. Its nuts."
"I didn't want these kids trying it basically." stated Posada. "I knew it was real, and you hear these kids not taking it seriously, you just have to show them. It was crazy. The same night I did it, there was a thunderstorm, and I was having trouble sleeping. Every time lightning would flash, I could vaguely see the outline of a dark figure wearing a cloak. I think his arm was in a sling. Every time the lightning would strike, the figure would be a little closer. Finally he was close enough to touch my shoulder. The next morning I woke up, and my throwing arm was sore. That's how he gets you."
Asked if his injury came through similar circumstances, Yankee shortstop and team captain Derek Jeter replied: "No, 'cause I'm not injured."
"There's a real easy solution to this problem." Explained manager Joe Girardi. "Just don't go in front of a mirror and say 'Carl Pavano', 'Carl Pavano', 'Carl Pavano' three times. Oh crap, is that a mirror right there?"
Despite the many concerns, the Yankees feel they will be able to persevere through the curse of Carl Pavano.
"I always heard the stories, but I never believed them." Said Yankee pitcher Phil Hughes. "I just figured the older guys were messing with me. Posada decided to prove to us that it was true, and now look at him."
"Do it once, and you'll see for yourself." explained Posada. "Its very real."
Whispers of this legend began in 2005 when several injured players attributed their bad fortunes to the same event Posada referred to. Despite the fact that every player in the clubhouse knows about this legend, very few are willing to speak to the outside world about it. Until now...
"Last season, I was completely skeptical." Said DH Jason Giambi who suffered a torn plantar faciatis last season. "To prove it, I went into the bath room, shut off the lights, and looked in the mirror. Mientkiewicz was there with me. I then said 'Carl Pavano', 'Carl Pavano', 'Carl Pavano' in the mirror three times just like that. Nothing happened right away, so I was like, 'See I told you they were full of crap'. So Mientkiewicz did it as well. Next thing you know, my foot splits apart, and Mientkiewicz breaks his wrist in a game. Its nuts."
"I didn't want these kids trying it basically." stated Posada. "I knew it was real, and you hear these kids not taking it seriously, you just have to show them. It was crazy. The same night I did it, there was a thunderstorm, and I was having trouble sleeping. Every time lightning would flash, I could vaguely see the outline of a dark figure wearing a cloak. I think his arm was in a sling. Every time the lightning would strike, the figure would be a little closer. Finally he was close enough to touch my shoulder. The next morning I woke up, and my throwing arm was sore. That's how he gets you."
Asked if his injury came through similar circumstances, Yankee shortstop and team captain Derek Jeter replied: "No, 'cause I'm not injured."
"There's a real easy solution to this problem." Explained manager Joe Girardi. "Just don't go in front of a mirror and say 'Carl Pavano', 'Carl Pavano', 'Carl Pavano' three times. Oh crap, is that a mirror right there?"
Despite the many concerns, the Yankees feel they will be able to persevere through the curse of Carl Pavano.
Yankees Avoid Sweep
The Good
Can the power outage be over? Cabrera, A-Rod, and Posada all hit homeruns, and four Yankees had multiple hits. Cabrera and A-Rod both knocked in a pair of runs. Andy Pettitte started off slow, but was lights out after the rain delay. He ended up pitching 6.2 innings of 1 run ball. The Chamberlain-Rivera combo worked once again.
The Bad
A-Rod and Posada's homeruns were in the ninth inning when we were ahead 4-1 and the Royals had the aged Hideo Nomo pitching. Overall, we had much more timely hitting this time around, but we're going to need some of that power display earlier in games, and in times where it matters.
The Ugly
What was up with the non-stop rain this series? Well, the Yankees are now heading for Boston where the forecast is, well, rain.
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
Respect Jeter's Gangster joined Johnny Damon's Homerun Club, and is giving $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. The money goes to the Children's Health Fund. Throughout the season, we will keep a running tally of the homeruns and money donated. Kauffman wasn't big enough as the Yankees hit 3 bombs to make up for yesterday and the day before:
Melky Cabrera 2hr = $2.00
Alex Rodriguez 2hr = $2.00
Hideki Matsui 2 hr = $2.00
Bobby Abreu 1hr = $1.00
Jorge Posada 1hr = $1.00
Total = $8.00
Can the power outage be over? Cabrera, A-Rod, and Posada all hit homeruns, and four Yankees had multiple hits. Cabrera and A-Rod both knocked in a pair of runs. Andy Pettitte started off slow, but was lights out after the rain delay. He ended up pitching 6.2 innings of 1 run ball. The Chamberlain-Rivera combo worked once again.
The Bad
A-Rod and Posada's homeruns were in the ninth inning when we were ahead 4-1 and the Royals had the aged Hideo Nomo pitching. Overall, we had much more timely hitting this time around, but we're going to need some of that power display earlier in games, and in times where it matters.
The Ugly
What was up with the non-stop rain this series? Well, the Yankees are now heading for Boston where the forecast is, well, rain.
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
Respect Jeter's Gangster joined Johnny Damon's Homerun Club, and is giving $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. The money goes to the Children's Health Fund. Throughout the season, we will keep a running tally of the homeruns and money donated. Kauffman wasn't big enough as the Yankees hit 3 bombs to make up for yesterday and the day before:
Melky Cabrera 2hr = $2.00
Alex Rodriguez 2hr = $2.00
Hideki Matsui 2 hr = $2.00
Bobby Abreu 1hr = $1.00
Jorge Posada 1hr = $1.00
Total = $8.00
Thursday, April 10, 2008
You Can All Sleep Soundly Tonight
The horrible ordeal is finally over. For months now most of us committed to this team have had many a sleepless night, but we can finally breath easily. The Yankees announced the new titles for the members of Steinbrenner family within the Yankees organization. With Hank and Hal being in limbo so long, without proper titles, it often felt like the team had no direction. But now we know that George is the Chairman, and Hank and Hal are co-chairpersons. That's actually quite a cool image, can you imagine a chair-person? Creepy. Anyway, now that the Yanks have settled this and stability has returned to the team, they may have a chance to win a game against a basement major league team.
On a final note, who has to go the press conference or be on the conference call announcing this sort of nonsense? Note to any newspaper staff-persons: if you had to be in on that call your boss hates you.
On a final note, who has to go the press conference or be on the conference call announcing this sort of nonsense? Note to any newspaper staff-persons: if you had to be in on that call your boss hates you.
Yankees Drop Second to Kansas
The Good
A-Rod had a pair of hits including a double, and Bruney started the game and pitched two scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts. As someone mentioned in an earlier post, Bruney deserves a shot at that 8th inning role. Traber also recorded another scoreless inning. The Royals only stole one base off Molina as he threw out two runners. He basically shut down their running game one day after they stole 5 bases off Posada.
The Bad
Our offense is on the lam. Don't get me wrong, Grienke is a solid pitcher, but 8 innings of shut out ball? This is the second season Cano looks like he needs to relearn hitting all over again. Giambi has a .056 batting average. Girardi learned why Farnsworth can't pitch 2 consecutive innings, and Kennedy was not sharp either. The Royals had 8 hits compared to the Yankees 7, and yet they win 4-0. The Yankees are getting hits, just can't seem to knock in runs.
The Ugly
According to Peter Abraham, the Yankees are 11 of 66 with runners in scoring position. That's a .170 average.
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
Respect Jeter's Gangster joined Johnny Damon's Homerun Club, and is giving $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. The money goes to the Children's Health Fund. Throughout the season, we will keep a running tally of the homeruns and money donated. No homeruns for a second consecutive day. Kauffman is a pretty spacious stadium so it shouldn't be too big of a surprise:
Melky Cabrera 1hr = $1.00
Alex Rodriguez 1hr = $1.00
Hideki Matsui 2 hr = $2.00
Bobby Abreu 1hr = $1.00
Total = $5.00
A-Rod had a pair of hits including a double, and Bruney started the game and pitched two scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts. As someone mentioned in an earlier post, Bruney deserves a shot at that 8th inning role. Traber also recorded another scoreless inning. The Royals only stole one base off Molina as he threw out two runners. He basically shut down their running game one day after they stole 5 bases off Posada.
The Bad
Our offense is on the lam. Don't get me wrong, Grienke is a solid pitcher, but 8 innings of shut out ball? This is the second season Cano looks like he needs to relearn hitting all over again. Giambi has a .056 batting average. Girardi learned why Farnsworth can't pitch 2 consecutive innings, and Kennedy was not sharp either. The Royals had 8 hits compared to the Yankees 7, and yet they win 4-0. The Yankees are getting hits, just can't seem to knock in runs.
The Ugly
According to Peter Abraham, the Yankees are 11 of 66 with runners in scoring position. That's a .170 average.
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
Respect Jeter's Gangster joined Johnny Damon's Homerun Club, and is giving $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. The money goes to the Children's Health Fund. Throughout the season, we will keep a running tally of the homeruns and money donated. No homeruns for a second consecutive day. Kauffman is a pretty spacious stadium so it shouldn't be too big of a surprise:
Melky Cabrera 1hr = $1.00
Alex Rodriguez 1hr = $1.00
Hideki Matsui 2 hr = $2.00
Bobby Abreu 1hr = $1.00
Total = $5.00
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Roster Mysteries Revealed
Why is Bruney starting? Because there may be rain and they don't want to risk Kennedy's start if the game gets called. Namely, Kennedy warms up, pitches two innings, game gets called, he can't pitch tomorrow. By starting Bruney they preserve Kennedy for a start tomorrow. Right now Bruney is dealing.
Duncan was optioned to Scranton to make room for Gonzalez. Jeter and Posada are not currently headed for the DL. At one point the Yankees considered putting Ensberg on the DL with a mysterious ankle injury he suffered Monday in order to make room for Gonzo but probably decided not to when they realized he was their third catcher and might be needed in order to avoid playing Posada if something happens to Molina.
Duncan was optioned to Scranton to make room for Gonzalez. Jeter and Posada are not currently headed for the DL. At one point the Yankees considered putting Ensberg on the DL with a mysterious ankle injury he suffered Monday in order to make room for Gonzo but probably decided not to when they realized he was their third catcher and might be needed in order to avoid playing Posada if something happens to Molina.
Holy Toledo Batman, We're in Bad Shape
So Posada and Jeter may be headed to the DL. Posada's never been on the DL and we need him to be 100% so I'm okay with that. Jeter is Jeter, he could be bleeding internally and he would argue that he should play, he's gangster like that.
It makes me think of the spring training when Posada and A-Rod both complained about shoulder problems. Everyone said that this was no big deal in spring training, but now Posada is looking at the DL due to a shoulder injury. Guess it wasn't as innocent a problem as we might have thought. At least these injuries are happening in April, not August or September. The sky is hardly falling. Other early injuries have been to Kennedy's and Hughes' egos. Other than that we're pretty healthy.
There is talk of moving A-Rod to short in Jeter's absence and having the former attorney general play third, or maybe Betemit. I don't know if they'll do that but it's an intriguing option. Where is A-Rod more useful? What do you guys think?
It makes me think of the spring training when Posada and A-Rod both complained about shoulder problems. Everyone said that this was no big deal in spring training, but now Posada is looking at the DL due to a shoulder injury. Guess it wasn't as innocent a problem as we might have thought. At least these injuries are happening in April, not August or September. The sky is hardly falling. Other early injuries have been to Kennedy's and Hughes' egos. Other than that we're pretty healthy.
There is talk of moving A-Rod to short in Jeter's absence and having the former attorney general play third, or maybe Betemit. I don't know if they'll do that but it's an intriguing option. Where is A-Rod more useful? What do you guys think?
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Yankees Lose to Royals
The Good
Damon looked good going 1-3 with 2 walks, one of which with the bases loaded. Billy Traber pitched a scoreless inning giving up one hit and striking out two. Hawkins also recorded a scoreless inning giving up a hit and a walk with one strike out.
The Bad
Brian Bannister was not sharp today, and the Yankees should have capitalized on that, but alas they waisted some prime opportunities. The bases loaded strikeout to Cano was not pretty. Ohlendorf could not hold back the Royals, giving up 2 runs in 3 innings of relief.
The Ugly
This was the ugliest game of this still young season. The Yankees had NO extra base hits showing that yesterdays offensive flex would have no carry over. Alex Rodriguez went 0-4 with 4 strikeouts. Posada had to leave the game early, because, I would assume, his shoulder is bothering him. The Royals stole 5 bases on Posada, 3 of which were by Joey Gathrite. At one point, Gathrite hit a single, stole second, on a pitch out no less, and then stole third. Phil Hughes lasted 3 innings giving up 3 runs.
You all see what happens when the Captain doesn't play? The Royals respect Jeter's gangster. They don't particularly respect anyone else's.
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
Respect Jeter's Gangster joined Johnny Damon's Homerun Club, and is giving $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. The money goes to the Children's Health Fund. Throughout the season, we will keep a running tally of the homeruns and money donated. No homeruns today. Not even an extra base hit. This Yankee offense needs to wake up...for the children:
Melky Cabrera 1hr = $1.00
Alex Rodriguez 1hr = $1.00
Hideki Matsui 2 hr = $2.00
Bobby Abreu 1hr = $1.00
Total = $5.00
Damon looked good going 1-3 with 2 walks, one of which with the bases loaded. Billy Traber pitched a scoreless inning giving up one hit and striking out two. Hawkins also recorded a scoreless inning giving up a hit and a walk with one strike out.
The Bad
Brian Bannister was not sharp today, and the Yankees should have capitalized on that, but alas they waisted some prime opportunities. The bases loaded strikeout to Cano was not pretty. Ohlendorf could not hold back the Royals, giving up 2 runs in 3 innings of relief.
The Ugly
This was the ugliest game of this still young season. The Yankees had NO extra base hits showing that yesterdays offensive flex would have no carry over. Alex Rodriguez went 0-4 with 4 strikeouts. Posada had to leave the game early, because, I would assume, his shoulder is bothering him. The Royals stole 5 bases on Posada, 3 of which were by Joey Gathrite. At one point, Gathrite hit a single, stole second, on a pitch out no less, and then stole third. Phil Hughes lasted 3 innings giving up 3 runs.
You all see what happens when the Captain doesn't play? The Royals respect Jeter's gangster. They don't particularly respect anyone else's.
Respect Jeter's Gangster is for the Children
Respect Jeter's Gangster joined Johnny Damon's Homerun Club, and is giving $1.00 for every homerun the Yankees hit this season. The money goes to the Children's Health Fund. Throughout the season, we will keep a running tally of the homeruns and money donated. No homeruns today. Not even an extra base hit. This Yankee offense needs to wake up...for the children:
Melky Cabrera 1hr = $1.00
Alex Rodriguez 1hr = $1.00
Hideki Matsui 2 hr = $2.00
Bobby Abreu 1hr = $1.00
Total = $5.00
Mussina to Donate Statue for New Stadium
Mike Mussina announced this morning that he is going to donate a statue to the new Yankee Stadium. The statue, as Mussina explained, is in recognition of all his critics throughout last season and into the present. The 30 foot tall marble statue resembles a closed hand, with the middle finger curiously pointing straight into the air.
"I really wanted the finger to be wider and taller. I was thinking about 50 feet tall, but the bigger you make it, the more expensive it is." Said Mike Mussina. "I wanted to wait for my first win to donate this. Its really special to me, and I thought my critics would appreciate it too."
The statue contains a plaque with some of the quotes Mussina has heard from critical fans since last season. Included on the plaque are:
"He's old, he's done. He should just retire."
"We need to trade him, he's not even a number 5 anymore."
"When will Girardi move him out of the 2 spot in the rotation? He doesn't belong there."
Though Mussina has generously made this donation for the new Yankee stadium, Yankee officials are still unclear what they should do with it.
"It won't fit in the new monument park, and frankly I don't think it belongs there." Said Senior Vice President Felix Lopez.
"Its a nice gesture and all, but I don't think its appropriate for the new stadium." Said Yankee President Randy Levine.
"I'll take it." Said Hank Steinbrenner. "It might not go in the new stadium but I have a few ideas for what I can do with it."
Mussina described the donation as being "on his heart" for a while, and is happy to finally be able to announce the gift. Mussina also invites his nay-saying fans to come visit the statue.
"This is for you." Mussina began. "So please, come visit my statue. Stand in its shadow. Take a few minutes to appreciate it. I mean really, walk around it a few times, take some pictures, make some drawings of it that you can take home with you and study further. I am happy to give this to all of you."
"I really wanted the finger to be wider and taller. I was thinking about 50 feet tall, but the bigger you make it, the more expensive it is." Said Mike Mussina. "I wanted to wait for my first win to donate this. Its really special to me, and I thought my critics would appreciate it too."
The statue contains a plaque with some of the quotes Mussina has heard from critical fans since last season. Included on the plaque are:
"He's old, he's done. He should just retire."
"We need to trade him, he's not even a number 5 anymore."
"When will Girardi move him out of the 2 spot in the rotation? He doesn't belong there."
Though Mussina has generously made this donation for the new Yankee stadium, Yankee officials are still unclear what they should do with it.
"It won't fit in the new monument park, and frankly I don't think it belongs there." Said Senior Vice President Felix Lopez.
"Its a nice gesture and all, but I don't think its appropriate for the new stadium." Said Yankee President Randy Levine.
"I'll take it." Said Hank Steinbrenner. "It might not go in the new stadium but I have a few ideas for what I can do with it."
Mussina described the donation as being "on his heart" for a while, and is happy to finally be able to announce the gift. Mussina also invites his nay-saying fans to come visit the statue.
"This is for you." Mussina began. "So please, come visit my statue. Stand in its shadow. Take a few minutes to appreciate it. I mean really, walk around it a few times, take some pictures, make some drawings of it that you can take home with you and study further. I am happy to give this to all of you."
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